Chapter 24

Lawrence POV

As Mira's little fingers gripped mine, the room was softly lit by the moonlight coming in through the window. George slept peacefully next to her, breathing evenly and steadily. Mira woke up and her dark lashes fluttered against her cheeks.

"Daddy?" Even though she spoke in a drowsy whisper, I could feel the weight of her words.

I leaned closer and said, "I'm here." I spoke steadily, but my chest was constricted.

Her eyes searched mine, just like Camilla's. "Will you now remain with us forever?"

I was taken by surprise by her innocent question. Forever. I wanted to make a promise, but I wasn't sure I could fulfill it. "I'd like to, Mira. More than anything. But there are… things I need to fix first."

Her little features wrinkled into a grimace. "What things?"

I hesitated. How could I convey the complexity of pack politics and looming threats to a child? Before I could react, the door creaked open, and I immediately tensed. Relief overwhelmed me when it was simply the nurse who came to check George's vitals. Mira turned her head, eyeing the woman momentarily before gazing back at me.

"Will you promise not to leave?" Her question was hardly audible above a whisper.

My throat clenched. "I promise," I replied softly, though the weight of my own words felt stifling. As she drifted back to sleep, her small hand still gripping mine, I felt an overwhelming mixture of love and guilt. I had made so many mistakes, but this? Walking away from them again was not an option.

The next morning, the sharp morning air cut at my skin as I stood outside the hospital. Everything I needed to figure out was racing through my mind. I knew the pack elders would eventually force my hand since they were growing impatient. If they learned about them, they wouldn't think twice about using Mira and George as leverage. The idea made my hands clench.

I was distracted from my thoughts as my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and grimaced at seeing the name. I didn't want to answer. "Clement," "what is it?"

Alpha Clement's voice was sharp and straight, with that unmistakable growl. Lawrence, we've waited long enough. It's time for you to take charge and do your part. The future of the pack is on the line.

Knowing where this talk was going, I snapped, "My personal life isn't your concern."

He shot back, "When your indecision jeopardizes the stability of the pack, it becomes our concern." "We'll call a council meeting unless you notify Mia of your engagement by the end of the month. Lawrence, you're running out of time.

"As I already stated, I will not be getting married. "This is my choice, not yours," I snarled, warningly low in my voice.

He responded icily, "You've been warned," and hung up. My rage was hardly held as I gripped my phone tightly and the call ended abruptly.

The elders will not give up until they achieve their goals. However, I wasn't going to be their puppet. Now I stood to lose too much.

Later that night, I started to feel nervous as I moved through the hospital parking lot. The subtle smell of another wolf permeated the air, making my instincts prickle. As I arrived at my car, I looked around, my muscles tensing.

A recognizable voice called out behind me, "Lawrence Knight."

Raymond was resting carelessly against a nearby car when I turned abruptly, and his smug smile made my fury boil. "What are you looking for?" Despite the rage that was boiling beneath the surface, I asked calmly.

His face hardened as he straightened. "To ensure that you avoid Camilla and the children at all costs." You've caused enough harm.

I stepped forward, looming above him. "They are members of my family." You have no say in what transpires between us.

With a scowl curving his lips, Raymond scoffed. "Relatives? After leaving them, do you think you can just waltz back into their lives? Knight, you are a shame. Too little, too late."

My hands curled into fists, but I stood my ground. "Raymond, keep out of my way. You don't know what you're up against.

His confidence annoyed me as he grinned. "We'll check on that."

I had the unshakeable impression that this was far from finished as he left. His threat lingered in the air, a constant reminder of the consequences of my past transgressions.

By the time I got back to my flat, it was getting dark. Although I was exhausted, I remained vigilant due to the persistent feeling of disquiet. I saw something on the floor just inside as I unlocked the door. A basic, unmarked envelope.

With caution, I picked it up and opened it, feeling my heart race. One picture of Mira and George playing in the hospital garden was found inside. They appeared so content and carefree. But when I opened the message that was inside, my comfort was short-lived.

You'll regret continuing to play the role of Daddy.

My spine tingled at the words. My mind was racing, and my hands gripped the paper tighter. This picture was taken by whom? And how, without anyone noticing, had they become so close to my kids?

I was startled when my pocket phone buzzed once more. When I took it out, the screen flashed an unidentified number. I briefly considered dismissing it, but I had a gut feeling that this wasn't a coincidence.

With a stern voice, I replied. "Who is this?"

Before a distorted voice spoke, there was silence on the other end. Lawrence, you ought to have stayed away. It's too late now.

I had more questions than answers as the call ended abruptly. The weight of the threats weighed heavily on me as I glanced at the phone, my heart racing. The person responsible for this wasn't merely attempting to frighten me; they were after my family.

I slumped into a chair and held the picture close to my chest. The list of potential suspects was lengthy, but my mind was racing. Raymond, the pack elders, or even rival packs may be held accountable.

I could not afford to wait for them to attack again, that much was certain. I had to move quickly. For Mira. For George. For Camilla.

I had only one thought as the night wore on: I would do all in my power to keep them safe. However, as I looked at the picture again, I came to another terrifying insight.

The person who took it wasn't only observing. They were near.

I was brought back to reality by the faint sound of footfall outside my flat. I stood and walked approached the door, tensing every muscle in my body. The sound of a key turning in the lock reverberated around the room as my wolf senses sparked and I smelled the distinct scent of another wolf.

I braced myself for whoever was going to enter as the door creaked open.

A chilly, well-known voice said, "Hello, Lawrence," and it made me shudder.

My blood raced cold and I clenched my hands as I turned to face them.

Mia was the one.

She wasn't by herself, either.